Plea to run shuttle train between Trichy, Salem

Trichy: Trichy MP Durai Vaiko has sought a shuttle train between Trichy and Salem via Karur. This was among demands he put forward at a meeting with Trichy divisional railway manager (DRM) Balak Ram Negi on Sunday.The MP earlier inspected residential areas abutting railway tracks near Marakkadai, where overgrown bushes pose safety threats for residents. He said train number 76822/76823 plying between Karur and Salem is maintained at Trichy, but runs empty between Trichy and Karur sections. The service could be extended to Trichy, covering prominent stations including Trichy Fort and Palakkarai, to strengthen regional connectivity.A stoppage for Trichy-Mayiladuthurai MEMU service at Thiruverumbur was also sought to help industrial workers and students from delta districts reach Thiruverumbur. As Samayapuram Poochorithal festival is to commence next month, the MP demanded DEMU special trains between Trichy and nearby cities. He also inspected Palur limited-use subway, under Salem DRM's jurisdiction. The MP assured residents that a permanent solution would be provided to prevent water stagnation in the subway.Based on complaints from Jeeva Nagar residents in Marakkadai, the MP said in his representation,that unchecked growth of weeds and shrubs near tracks passing through densely populated areas poses safety risks. He urged railways to carry out maintenance, since reptiles often sneak into residential streets near the tracks. "The status of railway over bridge work at Sanjeevi Nagar, Poongudi, Srirangam, Kumaresapuram, and Melakalkandarkottai was also sought from the DRM," the MP said.